Ariana DeBose, the Oscar-winning actress known for her groundbreaking roles and unwavering authenticity, is gracing the cover of Women's Health this January. Far from the typical restrictive diet and strenuous workout narratives often associated with the start of a new year, DeBose's interview focuses on her holistic well-being, navigating the pressures of her Oscar win, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle while preparing for her role as Calypso in Marvel's Kraven the Hunter.
A Holistic Approach to Well-being
DeBose emphasizes that her approach to fitness and health is about maintaining her body rather than drastically sculpting it, especially after a shoulder injury she sustained while on Broadway. She prioritizes self-care, recognizing the importance of recharging and setting healthy boundaries.
The Pressure of an Oscar
Winning an Oscar brought immense joy and recognition, but also unexpected pressures. DeBose felt the weight of expectations from various communities and experienced shifts in her personal relationships. She emphasizes the importance of releasing "shifty energy" and cutting ties with those who showed a different side after her win, noting that "friendships have morphed."
Recharging and Connecting with Nature
DeBose underscores the importance of proper sleep and recharging. To achieve a "full reset," she recently attended a wellness retreat in Italy, where she hiked every day. She realized that she thrives when close to nature and now prioritizes being by the water, taking walks along the Danube River in Budapest to "cleanse my energy" and move her body.
Her Exercise Routine
Ariana DeBose integrates movement and joy into her exercise routine.
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Therapeutic Dance Parties
Dancing around her house to Beyoncé, Bette Midler, the Gypsy Kings, or Celia Cruz is as crucial as her outdoor walks. She says that grooving "makes me feel aligned" and "refills my spirit."
Gym Workouts
In addition to dancing, DeBose works out at the gym three to four days a week, incorporating intervals, push-ups (often modified with knees on the ground), tricep dips, rows, and lunges with 10- to 15-pound weights. She does a few rounds of 10 reps per exercise before jumping on the elliptical for 30 to 40 minutes. Switching up the targeted muscle group during each workout helps her stay motivated, as does sticking to a set cycle of moves.
Preparing for Calypso
To prepare for her role as Calypso, DeBose focused on connecting with her body. She stretched in the morning while lying in bed to "get in tune with what was going on" with her. DeBose's dedication to maintaining a solid physique was a significant benefit while filming Kraven the Hunter. She wasn’t required to put in a ton of extra hours training to get superhero-ready. However, she ensured that her mind-and-body connection was on point (and practiced) since her character is all about intuition and intellect. She also practiced yoga on-set and meditated for 10 minutes after lunch.
The Importance of Authenticity and Advocacy
DeBose emphasizes the importance of authenticity, artistry, and advocacy.
Embracing Her Identity
As a proud, queer Afro-Latina, DeBose has been pushing the boundaries of representation in Hollywood with grace and fierceness, championing underrepresented voices and challenging norms with every role she takes. She describes her latest role as Chef in House of Spoils as “an exploration of leadership styles and the choice to reject toxicity,” carving out space for a narrative distinct from what audiences might expect.
Read also: Diet & Workout: Ariana Grande
Showing Up for Others
DeBose believes in the power of showing up for others and advocating for them. As a board member of Covenant House, she helps provide homeless and sexually trafficked youth with opportunities to rebuild their lives. She feels a surge of pride when she can "positively impact another person or community."
Staying True to Herself
Navigating the entertainment industry has taught DeBose the value of staying true to her instincts, especially in moments of uncertainty. "I constantly have to go inward and listen to myself," she reflects. "There's a lot of noise out there-people love to tell you what they think you should do. But at the end of the day, you're not running their race. I get off social media and focus on what I want and what feels right to me.”
DeBose's Diet
Ariana DeBose is deliberate in maintaining a healthy diet. She’s learned over the years that cutting out gluten is key for her. If she doesn’t? “I notice my digestion gets a little sluggish,” she says. So, for breakfast, she opts for a cup of gluten-free granola with oat milk and a scrambled egg with hot sauce. She waits three hours before eating again but sips Pukka Supreme Matcha Green Tea between meals. For lunch, she’ll have carrot or beet soup and lentils with pico de gallo, and in the evening, she has a salad with fish or lean meat like chicken or turkey. And because she’s all about flavor, occasionally indulging in a plate of ricotta and gnocchi pasta is a must.
Ariana DeBose's Essentials
In a weekly series, USA TODAY’s The Essentials, celebrities share what fuels their lives. Ariana DeBose's favorite Disney character is the one who's pretty much her. The Oscar-winning West Side Story star voices Asha, the big-hearted teen lead of the Disney animated musical Wish (in theaters now), a culmination of the Mouse House's 100th anniversary.
Inspiration
On a whole, she has to say that beautiful display of humanity inspire her. Whether it's something she's observed walking on the street or an exchange she's had with a new or old friend, a display that she's seen on YouTube, or a beautiful portrait or photo that displays the vulnerability perseverance and grace of humanity. She believes that every person on this planet has a story to tell and if you're willing to listen there's absolutely no reason that you shouldn't be inspired every single day by someone new.
Read also: Wellness Secrets of Ariana Grande
Skincare
DeBose knows a thing or two about stage makeup, to put it mildly. After all, she did win an Academy Award and a BAFTA for her role as Anita in West Side Story. That’s a lot of time in makeup chairs-and a lot of time spent taking it all off, which is why she’s the new partner of Optase Life Sensitive Makeup Remover, the first beauty launch from dry eye relief company Scope Health that’s an eye makeup remover for sensitive and dry eyes. With a focus on eye health first, Optase Life Sensitive Makeup Remover nourishes the delicate skin around the peepers with hyaluronic acid, pro vitamin B5 and manuka honey, tapping patented Ionized Water Technology to cleanse without disrupting natural oils in the skin.